David Joseph Richard Dailey

David Joseph Richard Dailey, 66 of Newton, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on May 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on December 31, 1958, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Dave spent his early years living in Des Moines before his family moved to Carroll. Dave attended Kuemper Catholic grade school and Kuemper Catholic and Carroll high schools. After a short stint in the Army with an honorable medical discharge Dave moved to Tempe, Arizona where he took some classes at Arizona State University and worked in the restaurant industry. He then moved to Clearwater, Florida where he worked construction. Following that he moved to Grand Island and then Omaha, Nebraska where he started his painting career. He moved to Denver, Colorado and started a paint contracting business called Unicorn Painting.

Dave was married to Kristin Hansen on May 26, 1984 at the First Presbyterian Church in Manning, Iowa. They had two children – Mackenzi Kennedy in 1985 and Tyler Austin in 1986. They later divorced but remained friends. They lived in the Denver, Colorado area until 1986, when they moved to Manilla, Iowa. Dave continued to operate Unicorn Painting until they moved to Manning, Iowa, where he bought the Dime Store building and started Strip to Finish, a paint store and refinishing shop while still doing commercial and residential painting. It was known as “The Best Little Strip Joint in Town” for many years. Dave later moved to Newton, Iowa where he continued to paint until his retirement in December, 2023. In the later part of 2024 Dave’s health began to decline.

A devoted Denver Broncos fan, he enjoyed a wide variety of music, spending time with friends and had a heart for giving. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. Dave collected toys and clothes to bring joy to children in villages across Mexico, delivering them during his yearly travels south. He developed many friendships in Mexico and still traveled there often until his passing.

Dave is survived by his children, Tyler Dailey and Mackenzi McIlhon (Chad); his beloved grandchildren, Lennon and Lainey McIlhon; his sisters, Diane Olson (Terry), Dori Rotert (Jon Waterbury) and Dawn Shepherd; and his brothers, Dan Dailey (Lisa Mcleod) and Doug Dailey (Darcy).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle J. “Hoagie” Dailey and Mary Ellen “Mickey” (Fisher) Dailey, and Eugene Thelen; his brother Dean Dailey; and his sister Deb Jekel.

Dave will be remembered for his generous spirit, sense of humor, and dedication to helping others.

Please join us as we gather to honor and celebrate the life of David “Painter” Dailey. We invite you to share your memories, stories, and special moments as we remember a life well lived. Celebration of Life Gatherings will be held Friday, June 6, 5:00 – 9:00 PM at Fore Seasons Sports Bar & Grill 6232 County Hwy S 74 S, Newton, IA 50208 and Saturday, June 21, 3:00 – 8:00 PM at Kerkhoff Shelter House 619 Julia St, Manning, IA 51455. Memorials in David’s name may be left at the gatherings or at Pence Reese Funeral home in Newton. Food and refreshments will be provided at both locations. All are welcome as we come together in remembrance.